Everything You Need To Know About Argan Oil

The oil, now produced by local indigenous women, has been used for centuries by locals for medicinal and culinary purposes. But recently it's gathered a cult-like following in the global cosmetic market. Full of antioxidants and vitamin E, the oil has been praised as having conditioning and anti-aging properties that benefit both hair and skin.

                                                                                                     

Moroccans used to apply this elixir to their faces to protect themselves from the aggressive desert wind. In the 2000s, Argan oil gains a new notoriety thanks to studies that highlight its properties. Its production is mechanized, increasing the yield and promoting its use around the world. With its soothing and moisturizing action, this oil is very appreciated by dry skin. It is also a great care for mature skin, thanks to its revitalizing, healing and antioxidant action.                            

 

Argan Oil, Firming, Anti-aging Properties

Argan oil contains more than 80% unsaturated fatty acids, including 45% oleic acid (omega-9), which is found in particular in sebum.

 Its fatty acids have an interesting action on the suppleness and the elasticity of the skin, which can delay the appearance of wrinkles and reinforce the cutaneous firmness. They also stimulate cell renewal. "The vitamin E in Argan Oil protects against the harmful effects of free radicals and retains the quality of fatty acids”. It balances and tones the skin while promoting a good clear complexion. In addition, these lipids limit inflammatory reactions, which accelerate aging, and exert a protective action against UV rays.

Also Argan Oil improves healing: very effective on cracks and burns, it relieves tightness of dry skin. With its 36% linoleic acid (omega-6), the oil reinforces the barrier function of the skin and preserves exchanges between cells.

How To Choose Your Argan Oil

There are two kinds of Argan Oil:

 - Food grade (heat-pressed)

 - Cosmetics grade (cold-pressed)

The cosmetic grade which used for hair and skin has to be cold-pressed and pure in order not damaging the antioxidants properties and vitamins that are necessary for skincare purposes otherwise this oil will not give you the results that you desire.

 The best way to distinguish these 2 kinds is smelling the oil:

Culinary Argan for eating has a strong roasted nutty smell and is not suitable for cosmetic use. Pure cosmetic Argan Oil can have a range of scents from a light citrus/Olive-like fragrance. 

 Also make sure that you are not using the deodorized ones since when the natural scents are removed, many beneficial nutrients that occur naturally in Argan oil are also removed in the process which diminishes the overall benefits of Argan Oil. Argan oil that is graded for cosmetics has a color that is a light golden tone. But the one graded for cooking has a darker, golden brown color. 

Notice that If the golden yellow tone looks too faint and light, chances are the oil was diluted with other types of oils.

 Using Instructions 

The rich texture of this oil can be used on dry and mature skin, but also on those with no particular problem to prevent aging. It can be used both pure or mixed with an anti-aging cream to enhance its nutritional power, and preferably in the evening, because of the slight glossy film it leaves on the surface. Finally, it is beneficial for dyed or weakened hair. Applied as a hair mask on the lengths and ends or in daily care, it forms a protective film against aggression.